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Why do many science museums use hands-on models and interactive displays?

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Gallery room at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, with framed portraits and group paintings on the walls and a bench in the center of the wood floor. — museum Interior of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Science museums utilize hands-on models and interactive displays to actively engage visitors, transforming the museum experience from passive observation into a participatory process. By allowing visitors to interact directly with exhibits, these institutions can effectively demonstrate scientific theories and applications, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging for both children and adults.1

This approach aligns with broader educational goals in the museum sector, where the use of specialized tools and interactive mediums—such as sound, video, and physical engagement—is designed to improve communication and enhance the visitor's understanding of scientific principles. Furthermore, by emphasizing the process of discovery over the mere preservation of objects, these museums create a more dynamic environment that encourages curiosity. This strategy is particularly effective for reaching diverse audiences, as it extracts the fun and interesting aspects of science, helping to bridge the gap for those who might otherwise feel disconnected from the subject.213